Potable Aqua  Iodine and Taste-Neutralizer Tablets

There are pros and cons to this item. Pro: Very light and compact. So if you're backpackng and want to save space and weight, these pills are GREAT. Also, the taste neutralizer works very well. I've used iodine tablets in the past, but they leave an unpleasant taste to the water. That's not the case with these pills. There was no bad taste to the water. The con: The pills obviously don't physically filter out anything, so you might have little things floating in the water. (I've thought of brining along a coffee filter for this purpose). Also, you have to wait 30 minutes for the pills to work.

Water treated with the first step tablets does have a color, bit of a smell, and a unique taste but none are overpowering. Water treated with both is colorless, smell-less, and has a very faint "not normal" taste but it's not bad. I like to carry these as a backup on day hikes in case I run out of water. I recommend using in a Nalgene, really simplified the process and I knew I was using the right ratio of tablets to water for peace of mind. I would suggest reading the directions before hitting the trail so you're familiar with them before you actually have to use. They are printed on the bottles but the font is small and if you're out of water, already anxious about being out of water, and then adding in being anxious about accidentally poisoning yourself, it's better to just know what to do ahead of time.

I was looking for something different after using the water purification droplets that require you to mix and swirl and wait a few minutes for a certain color - my boyfriend grew up using them so it's what he's comfortable with but they're a huge hassle, and I was never sure if I missed a couple drops or the color was quite right. Took a chance on these and will never turn back. I will say I ended up using more than I expected to in just one 3-day weekend trip. It's 2 tablets/liter, and with me and my friend each filling 3L water reservoirs we went through at least 18 of each type. That being said, these are incredibly easy to use, and I didn't notice any taste at all (after using the taste neutralizers). Will definitely keep using unless something better comes along.

When I was in the military, they issued us iodine tabs such as these. They're effective for bacteria (modern medicine uses iodine solutions for cleaning wounds & equipment) but as the label warns: " Not intended for use against viruses or the protozoa cyptosporidum ." They are better than nothing, but other products should be reviewed. Some parasites, once ingested and embedded in your GI tract are very, very hard to eliminate.

I was on the PCT for a bit last year and had these tablets. I used them as suggested and the only problem I had was the fact that they left a yellowish-brown tint to my Platypus bladder. I will continue to use these over a filter to save weight. Oh, one other thing, when I used these with a powdered drink mix it turned the treated water to a very dark color even though the drink mix was supposed to turn it orange.

Used these on the John Muir Trail in Yosemite. They provided bacteria free water and the taste wasn't bad either. However, the iodine stains hydration reservoirs a brown color.

Does exactly what it says. I didn't die and the water didn't taste like iodine so I consider that an A++++!

I have used these pills over a number of back country trips, and they have worked very well (i.e. no sicknesses). First, I must say that I only take water from significant bodies of water that are moving, if possible. I plan my trips around finding these sources. I have not used these pills on stagnant, discolored water because there is no need to in the Colorado Rockies, where streams and lakes are abound. Most commonly, for a standard 3 night trip, I will hike the first day using all tap water that I put in my bladder and other bottles before the trip. Then, when we make camp, I fill up a three gallon collapsible water container from a back-country source. I then put about 24 of these pills in the container, and 30 minutes later, I have pure, great tasting water for the rest of the trip (this is if we stay put over the next 3 days). Do not put the iodine pills directly into your water bladder, because the bladder will get stained. Put the pills into another water-filled container, and then put that water into your bladder after the pills have worked. Overall, these pills are great. They are EXTREMELY lightweight and low-presence. I drink a lot of water while backpacking, so I find myself buying these 2-part packets about once a month, so the price can add up. However, having access to assuredly clean water is not something I am willing to compromise.

I've used these for years. They are easy and cheap. I've never had a problem with bad water. The only downside is that you have to wait 30 minutes plus an additional 5 minutes for the neutralizer. It can be a long time to wait if you are really thirsty, but with proper planning it is not an issue.

There are many ways to safely use water while traveling; this one is as minimalist as it is practical and time efficient.